Analysis of JD Salingers The Catcher in the Rye

Analysis of JD Salingers The Catcher in the Rye J. D. Salinger wanted to write a story, that many believe is at least partially autobiographical, about the angst of being a teen age boy trying to navigate the transition between adolescence and adulthood. The story has been a constant in lists about the best American novels written in the twentieth century, and it has received much criticism also. It is not that people do not believe that Caulfield would have cussed as much as he does or that he would not have been exploring the sexual feelings that he did, rather people are shocked, it seems, by the stark reality of the novel. Salinger shows the character Caulfield as someone who has had a very trying experience that has damaged him for the past year. He is trying to explain to the reader why he is in the position in which he finds himself. Holden does not seem to be asking for forgiveness or understanding, as much as he is just telling a story. Caulfield seems to be an angry young m an because his life has not turned out as he had hoped. His life has snowballed into something that seems unreal to him, but at the same time is much too real. The fact that he is relating the story from a hospital bed demonstrates how far he has fallen. This paper examines the events told in Caulfields story to determine the true meaning behind what he says, and determine why he is the angry youth he seems to be. Anger is a common feeling for someone in their late teens. The boy isShow MoreRelatedPsychoanalysis of Holden Caulfield1173 Words   |  5 Pagesunconscious elements in a human mind by bringing fears to the conscious mind. According to Sigmund Freud, â€Å"The unconscious silently directs the thoughts and behavior of the individual† (Freud 95). Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is sixteen years old and does not act his own age for he is stuck in his own private world, filled with pain and suffering. In the novel, Holden can be observed through a psychoanalytical view, which provides the reader a clear understandingRead MoreCatcher in the Rye4413 Words   |  18 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye â€Å"Is The Catcher in the Rye, as a work of literature still relevant for today’s youth?† Name: Sara Sigurdson Course: English A1 Supervisor: Mr. Peter Steadman Word count: 3851 Candidate number: 00136022 Table of Contents Content Page Number Abstract 3 Introduction 4 The Actual Catcher in the Rye 4 The Sexual Matter 5 The Caulfield Family 6 Narrator and Protagonist 8 Role Model 9 Mr. Antolini 10 Targeted Audience 10 Guidance 12 Read MoreEtymology and Symbolism of Characters Names in Catcher in the Rye1967 Words   |  8 PagesNames in Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚  Ã‚   Catcher in the Ryes pallid cover, adorned only with seven multicolored bands in its upper-left corner, is not what one would call eye-catching. Its reverse side lacks criticisms or reviews of any sort; in fact, it is bare of anything except a copyright date. Human beings are advised not to judge books by their covers, rather that they should look further than the obvious and try to apprehend the implied meaning. The world has peered past Catcher in the